Applying for university can be very stressful. With the building pressure of final exams, writing your personal statement and deciding which open days to attend, it can be extremely disheartening if after all of that time and effort, you don’t receive an offer from your first choice. In some cases, it can feel like the end of your academic life, but this is far from the truth. The chance to go to university doesn’t end with a rejection: you can always reapply. In fact, the reapplication process can often be easier than when you originally applied. A majority of universities will ask you to reapply in time for the next academic year, giving you plenty of time to assess what you can improve on to ensure that you’re successful the second time round.
A lot of students apply for a course based on a subject that they enjoyed at school, this isn’t necessarily incorrect, but you need to look past the next three years. Think carefully about the course you originally applied for, is it right for you? Look into exactly what the course entails, what modules will cover and how the coursework and examination system is structured.
Think about how you’ll be able to apply the skills you’ll acquire to any potential career paths: do they match up? It’s important to choose a course that you’ll enjoy, but you also need to choose one that will benefit you in the long run. If you plan to work in a practical field such as media or engineering, selecting a course that includes work placements may be useful. If you’re planning to go into a science-based career then check how much lab time you’ll be getting. Each university will have subjects that they excel in, and a highly-rated university may not necessarily be the best for your chosen course, or for you.
Although having actual grades rather than predicted grades will put you in a stronger position, there are other things that you can do to strengthen your application. By completing relevant work experience, volunteering, or even gaining extra qualifications, you can make your application stand out from the crowd. Practical experience and skills that are relevant to your chosen course will not only boost your application, but can show universities that you are motivated, ambitious and passionate about a subject.
If you suspect that your personal statement may have held you back the first time around, make sure that you address this. Ask any teachers, tutors or professional organisations for pointers, in some cases it’s easier to start from scratch. Talk to any peers that have had success with their own application and ask them to proofread or sense check yours. There is help available online and at any local Connections centre, however, the key points are things that you can do yourself. Start by making sure that you check all spelling and grammar before sending, it is often easier to ask others to help with this as it’s harder to spot mistakes in your own work. Be passionate about the subject that you’ve chosen to study, make sure that any information, skills or experience is relevant to the course, and finally, make sure that you explain why you want to join the course, referencing how it will impact your career and how the information you will learn is important to you.
Rachel is a freelance education blogger with a background working in top private schools.